BERWICK, Ontario - High school and post-secondary students looking to broaden their experience and skillset this summer can now apply for funding and support to help them start a small business.
Summer Company is a program funded by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade which provides high school and post-secondary students with start-up costs to launch a new summer business. Throughout the program, ongoing advice and mentorship are provided by Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre and local business leaders to help participants start and manage their business.
Learning how to create and operate a business is one of the best summer jobs a student can have. Program participants have the opportunity to be their own boss while learning what it takes to manage a business. Sales, marketing, bookkeeping, customer relationship management and networking are just a few of the highly useful skills participants will develop.
“Starting a business is such a great way to learn valuable life skills and build confidence,” said Erika Randolph, Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre’s Program Administrator. “Summer Company provides students with a unique opportunity to transform their ideas into reality, with the goal of sustaining their business and nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit.”
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Summer Company program, participants must:
- be a high school or post-secondary student when they apply, and must be returning to school in the fall;
- be a resident of Cornwall, SDG, or Akwesasne;
- be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- be between 15-29 years old
(if under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the agreement for the applicant); - not already be operating a business, and;
- not be working at another job and/or attending school for more than 12 hours per week during the Summer Company program.
For Summer Company program guidelines visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/summer-company-program-guidelines
Financial Support
Students who are accepted into the Summer Company program will receive up to $1,500 up-front to help with start-up costs. An additional $1,500 will be available for participants who successfully complete the program requirements by the end of the summer. In total, successful Summer Company participants will receive up to $3,000 in grant awards.
How to Apply
Those interested in applying for this year’s Summer Company Program must submit applications by May 15th, 2026. Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre encourages those interested to submit applications as early as possible to have the best chance of being accepted.
Click here to apply to Summer Company.
Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre staff are available to assist with completing applications and answering questions. Contact us by phone at 613-930-2787 ext. 2276 or email Erika Randolph at erandolph@cornwall.ca.
About the Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre
Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre helps small business owners and entrepreneurs succeed in Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry & Akwesasne by offering information, tools and support during the start-up and growth stages of business operation. This includes administration of the Summer Company and Starter Company PLUS programs. The Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre is operated by Cornwall Economic Development and funded in part by the Government of Ontario.
The Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre is located at 100 Water Street East (Cornwall Civic Complex) and can be contacted by phone at 613-930-2787 x 2276 or online at: